Ben McLemore, a former Portland Trail Blazers guard, is awaiting a jury’s decision after a two-week rape trial in Clackamas County Circuit Court. The 32-year-old basketball player faces serious charges, including first-degree rape, unlawful sexual penetration, and first- and second-degree sexual abuse stemming from a 2021 house party incident in Lake Oswego, Oregon.
What Happened at the Lake Oswego Party?
The alleged assault occurred in October 2021, at a private gathering attended by McLemore and several others, including former teammate Robert Covington. The accuser claims she was intoxicated and unresponsive when McLemore assaulted her. She described her condition as “playing dead” during the encounter.
Charges Against Ben McLemore
McLemore is facing the following charges:
- Rape in the first degree
- Unlawful sexual penetration
- Sexual abuse in the first and second degree
If convicted of first-degree rape, he could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 8 years, with the possibility of up to 20 years in prison.
McLemore Takes the Stand
In a dramatic turn, McLemore testified in his own defense. He stated that the encounter was entirely consensual. According to his testimony, the accuser initiated physical contact while both were lying on a couch. He claimed he was unaware that she was intoxicated to the point of being non-consensual.
“I would never hurt anybody. I would never do something like that,” McLemore told the jury.
DNA Evidence and Conflicting Testimonies
Prosecutors presented DNA evidence, which did not exclude McLemore. However, the defense argued that the presence of DNA alone does not prove a crime occurred. Witnesses gave conflicting accounts regarding the accuser’s state of mind and behavior before the alleged assault.
The defense further emphasized inconsistencies in the accuser’s testimony and stated that McLemore left the NBA and moved to California to support his family, not to evade legal proceedings.
Jury Deliberations Underway
As of July 3, the jury began deliberating the verdict after closing arguments concluded. Legal experts say the outcome hinges on the jury’s interpretation of consent, the credibility of testimonies, and the forensic evidence.
Who Is Ben McLemore?
Ben McLemore was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2013 and played for several NBA teams, including:
- Sacramento Kings
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Houston Rockets
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Portland Trail Blazers
During the time of the alleged incident, he was part of the Trail Blazers roster for the 2021–22 NBA season.
Final Verdict Pending
This case has garnered national attention due to McLemore’s celebrity status and the severity of the allegations. The Clackamas County jury is expected to reach a verdict within the coming days.
